Every moment in life is absolute in itself. That’s all there is. There is nothing other than this present moment; there is no past, there is no future; there is nothing but this. So when we don’t pay attention to each little this, we miss the whole thing. ~ Charlotte Joko Beck, “Attention Means Attention”
buddha in mountain
English: Picture of Sharon Salzberg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No matter what comes up, we can learn new ways of being with it. We have a capacity to meet any thought or emotion with mindfulness and balance. Whatever disagreeable emotion is coursing through us, we can let it go. Rereading those words may keep you going when sitting down to practice is the last thing you want to do. ~ Sharon Salzberg, “Sticking with It”
When you check your mind, do not rationalize or push. Relax. Do not be upset when problems arise. Just be aware of them and where they come from; know their root. Introduce the problem to yourself: “Here is this kind of problem. How has it become a problem? What kind of mind feels that it’s a problem?” When you check thoroughly, the problem will automatically disappear. That’s so simple, isn’t it? ~ – Lama Thubten Yeshe
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, “Your Mind is Your Religion”
“What Do Buddhists Believe?” by Tony Morris, Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2008 – Religion – 112 pages.
When I want to learn about a subject, I seem to go on a mission. I think, ‘what do I want to know?’, ‘what format?’, and ‘look for something readable’. ‘What Do Buddhists Believe?’ answered those questions with ease.
This book was an easy read and yet I came away with a better understanding of where I wanted to go on my journey of learning about Buddhism. It covers general Buddhist beliefs without being overly simplified. I would not recommend it to a person who has more than a general grasp of what Buddhism is for it really is the bare bones. Yet for those who want more than a ‘feel’ but not an in-depth of each tradition I recommend it. Don’t think this will be the only book you will need to understand Buddhism, but it will be one you can pass on to your non-Buddhists friends when they have more questions.
~ Debra
What Do Buddhists Believe?: Meaning and Mindfulness in Buddhist Philosophy
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly. – The Buddha
A Buddhist's Journey 